Problem: I would like to experiment with my Inmarsat-C software,
to familiarise myself with the Distress Alert/Message system - but I
have heard that there are many 'false alerts' and I do not want to add
to this. How can I practice the Distress Alert/Distress Message
functions without sending false alerts/messages?
Answer: At the time of writing, the incidence of 'false alerts' was
greater than 90% (i.e., more than 9 out of 10 alerts received in MRCCs
were false alerts). Before 'experimenting', you should read the user
manual carefully. There are five things you need to remember when
becoming familiar with the distress alert/message functions of any
Inmarsat-C software, namely:
(i) With most modern equipment (and up-ta-date software), you
should not be able to send a 'Distress Alert' (neither a 'quick
undesignated', nor a 'designated' alert) without pressing the
'Distress Button{s)'
(ii) Entering into the 'Distress Menu' lets you set-up a 'Designated
Distress Alert' ready for sending (i.e., select 'Nature' and 'LES').
You should be able to practice this 'set-up' - but don't press the
button{s);
(iii) With CAPSAT software (used by 'Thrane & Thrane'; and some
'Sailor' and 'DEBEG' equipment) - you can familiarise yourself
with the 'Distress Priority Message' system by typing-up a short
message e.g. 'test distress message not intended for
transmission' in the message editor; enter the 'TRANSMIT' menu
and change the priority to 'Distress'; select a LES; and then
'SEND' on the software. At this point you will be asked 'Confirm
Distress Transmission Yes/No?' - if you 'ESC' or select 'No', the
message will not be sent. (Now 'ESC' back to the main screen).
(iv) GALAXY software (used by 'Trimble'; 'Marconi Orcades'; 'Skanti
Scansat CG'; 'Intermarine IME7001' and 'Raytheon STR1600C'
equipment) uses the 'Distress Menu' to set a 'Designated Distress
Alert' and also offers the option to 'Send Distress Message' - if you
'Enter' on the 'Send Distress Message' function, you will be placed
on to the 'message editor' screen - where you would type-up your
'Distress Priority Message' When 'experimenting' - you can go
this far; type 'test distress message - not intended for transmission'
on the screen; press the 'ESC' key (as prompted) and then - when
asked 'Do you really want to send a distress message Yes/No'
select 'No' (Then 'ESC' back to the main screen).MARINE COMMUNICATIONS 89